Challenges of women entrepreneur in agricultural value chain in SENEGAL

This article aims to analyze the many challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in participating equitably in agricultural value chain. The methodological approach is based on an analysis of descriptive statistics applied to a sample of 56 women entrepreneurs engaged in agricultural value chains. The data come from a survey carried out among 166 entrepreneurs (men and women) in the field of agriculture and agribusiness located in the regions of Kaolack, Saint Louis and in the Niayes area. The results reveal that women undertake more at the end of the value chain, particularly in retail. They face many obstacles such as lack of formal registration of their business, limited access to education and training in agriculture and agrobusiness, inadequate bookkeeping practices, difficulties accessing bank financing and low participating in women’s entrepreneurial networks. To overcome these challenges, effective measures must be taken by state and private organizations to help women to access to training, monitoring, awareness and support programs